What Is a Christian?
There is a lot of confusion these days about what a Christian is. Many people claim to be one, but yet they show little evidence of being a true Christian. I guess, many assume that if you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, then that automatically makes you a Christian. Such thinking is wrong. Some believe going to a church that believes that Jesus is the Son of God m
akes you a Christian. Recently on my Facebook page, someone said that our President is a Christian.
How can a follower of Christ support someone who ridicules the Bible?
How can a follower of Christ support someone who believes abortions are ok?
How can a follower of Christ support someone who approves of gay marriage when the Bible is obviously opposed to such?
How can a man who claims to be and prays with Muslims be called a Christian?
OK, we can answer the question by using human reasoning, which most likely would be flawed. Or we can answer the question from a viewpoint from any number of different faith based organizations. Or you could just take my reasoning at face value, and not worry about it. But if we will let the Bible speak and tell us God’s answer to this question, we will have something to put our trust in.
In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. A disciple is a learner, follower, student, apprentice, or anyone who learns from others. For a disciple of Christ, it is learning from God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the writings of the Bible. Not only does a disciple learn, they also take what they learn and apply it to their own lives. The disciple takes upon themselves the attributes of the one they are to obey and follow. This means that we learn all we can about Christ, and try to follow His example in living, suffering, and dying. In 1 Corinthians 11:1 the apostles Paul told them to imitate him just as he imitates Christ.
One cannot be a Christian and not do what is commanded of them. So many people live lives their own way with no regard to how God wants their lives lived. Some claiming to be Christians are the ones Jesus spoke to in Matthew 7:21. “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
Anyone who does not keep the commandments of Jesus will be rejected by the Christ in the final judgment day. In Luke 6:46 we read where Jesus asked the question: “why call me Lord, but do not do what I say?” So a true disciple of Jesus will follow the commandments revealed in God’s holy word, the Bible.
So there are a lot of people out there claiming to be Christians, when they are not living like Christians should live. Are they aware of this, or have they been deceived. In Galatians 6:6 we read that God is not mocked, but people will get the reward or punishment they deserve.
How does one become a Christian? First and formost, they must believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, (Acts 8:37)then they must turn from their sin, and confess His name, and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). They must become a part of Christ, and God adds them to the body of Christ when they are baptized (Acts 2:41,47). We are told in Romans 6:3-6, and Galatians 3:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 that we are baptized into Christ and His body. Despite what you may have been taught, or even what you believe, baptism is the only action that will put you into Christ and make you a Christian. Then to keep the name Christian, you must live faithful by obedience to God until death (Revelation 2:10).
By Carey Scott
Eastside Church of Christ in Ranger Tx. We meet at the corner of Strawn rd and Young St on Sunday at 9:45am for class, 10:45am and 5:00pm for worship, and on Wednesday at 7:00pm for class.

By Carey Scott

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